Books to Borrow Claysburg Public Library Recommends

Most people recognize the name Ron Howard from “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Happy Days.” Some may also recognize the name Clint Howard from “Gentle Ben” and many other movies and shows. Ron and Clint Howard are the children of Rance and Jean Howard. Rance, who was born Harold Beckenholt, was born in Oklahoma on his family farm. He had aspirations of being another Gene Autry or Roy Rogers. Unfortunately, he couldn’t sing. Harold went to the University of Oklahoma where he met Jean Speegle. They were both involved in the theater. Harold changed his name as he felt it was holding him back from his dreams as an actor. The two of them worked for a traveling theater group and got married on the road.

The Howards lost their firstborn child and Jean was determined to have another. Ron was born March 1, 1954. No long after, the Howards decided they should move to California. Rance spent his time auditioning for parts. Ron’s first role was as a crying baby in a western. His mother played a part and it called for a baby to cry. Ron performed. He later played in “The Journey.” He was on “the Red Skelton Show” and was one of Dennis the Menace’s friends. Ron recalls his years on “The Andy Griffith Show” and his path to directing.

Clint Howard was born April 20, 1959. He was featured on “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.” He also had a small role on “The Andy Griffith Show.” He played the boy who was always offering his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Later he played in “Gentle Ben.”

The book centered on their family life. Their father was their coach. They called him the “child whisperer.” He was able to bring out the emotion in the boys. Their mother gave up her acting to care for the family. Later she took on some roles in movies and in some of Ron’s films. (She played Jim Lovell’s mother in “Apollo 13.” Her memorable line was, “If they could get a washing machine to fly, my Jimmy could land it.”) The boys were not only actors but they also were involved in sports. Ron was offered a line of clothing called Opie Taylor, which he could promote. His parents turned it down as they wanted him to have a childhood.

There are too many movies and TV shows to mention in this review. Ron went on to direct films. Clint wasn’t interested in directing; he continued to act. Clint went through a time of drug and alcohol abuse. He was able to overcome his addition and was nine years sober when his mother died. This book is a fascinating insight into a loving famous family. They worked together, played together and stayed together as a family.